Five step hack allows you to easily avoid password on top Android smartphone

Apple, Inc. (AAPL) recently was heavily criticized when hackers discovered a complex process of presses allowed a potentially malicious user to circumvent the lock screen password. The "hack" resembled a video game cheat and was quite intensive.

But apparently Apple wasn't the only one with this kind of vulnerability (or perhaps a backdoor firmware makers forgot to remove?). With Android smartphones, Google Inc. (GOOG) typically allows Android phonemakers to make their own lockscreens. Due to legal issues with Apple, and the desire to have distinctive GUIs, Android phonemakers have a variety of different software handling unlocking.

In Samsung's case, the proprietary lock-screen implementation on its best-selling flagship Galaxy S III is vulnerable to a similar hack. The Full Disclosure mailing list, a popular hardware and software hacking email mailer, reveals the process as:

1) On the code entry screen press Emergency Call
2) Then press Emergency Contacts
3) Press the Home button once
4) Just after pressing the Home button press the power button quickly
5) If successful, pressing the power button again will bring you to the S3′s home screen

Looks like for now Samsung owners might want to avoid hurling criticism at Apple for its similar backdoor.